Chasing the aurora as a solo traveller

I was on the ship’s deck, close to midnight on New Year's Eve at sea in Northern Norway. You couldn’t have picked a more perfect time for the aurora to appear! The setting was pure magic.

Over Mehamn in the distance, there were fireworks going off… and high in the sky above them, filling the view, were the Northern Lights, almost dancing in response to the celebrations. Can you imagine that? I was speechless.

No, the best display I’ve been fortunate enough to see was in December 2019 on MS Polarlys, shortly after the ship left Berlevåg. I thought the sky was exploding. The Northern Lights were everywhere. In front of us, behind us, above us. It was incredible. I didn't know where to look! They were really green and they danced and danced and danced. It was pure rock 'n' roll in the sky.

As usual, I was travelling alone, but the passengers were all so enthusiastic. We communicated with each other in a "WOW" language, which was quite funny. It was so amazing. We all freaked out! It was so unbelievably great that, at some point, I stopped photographing the dancing aurora because I didn't want to miss a single second of the magic.

It was magical. A sense of pure joy that I was able to see this, and respect for nature for all the beauty it provides us with. The world is full of wonders, you just have to recognise them. There was no question of sleeping afterwards, I was far too excited.

It's completely dark, there's no light pollution – that's why you can see the Northern Lights so well. The atmosphere on the ship also plays a big role. People come for the Northern Lights and this positive energy is contagious. Because you are always in a different place, the chance of seeing the Northern Lights on several nights is perhaps slightly greater.

• Find out why a voyage along the Norwegian coast really is one of the best ways to see the Northern Lights.

I knew that the Northern Lights in reality are not as intense in colour [as you might see in photographs or videos], but I couldn't imagine how they would appear in the sky. When I first saw them, they were a moving white cloud.

I knew they weren't as green as in the pictures, but I found the fact that they just looked like a moving mist a little disappointing. I hoped that would change – and it did. They were soon greenish with a red rim and began to dance. The magic was real!

Patience is the magic word for seeing the Northern Lights, but I am anything but a patient person! When I saw the Northern Lights in Mehamn, I thought, “Wow, that was great” and then I went into my cabin. I couldn't sleep because I kept having images of the incredibly amazing Northern Lights in my head.

 But I would probably have been better off staying outside because the aurora came back even stronger. But I didn't know that until later, when a passenger showed me photos taken an hour later. I could have slapped myself for not staying up!

 Since then, I've stood outside waiting patiently until the aurora gives the main performance after the first little dance. A lot of the time, I'm alone on deck because most of the guests go back to their cabin, just like I did the first time, and so, sometimes, the lights dance their magical dance just for me.

It is very easy to connect with other travellers if you wish. We have the same interests: Midnight Sun, animals, Polar Night, and Northern Lights. The people who come on Hurtigruten come for the nature and the peace and quiet.

• Keep an eye on the Hurtigruten offers pages as there are always good offers for solo travellers.

• Depending on your ship there may be a singles table. Just ask to sit there for meals. If there isn’t a dedicated table, then you'll likely have friendly table neighbours.

• If you find it difficult to find a topic for a conversation, just start with the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun. Everyone is interested in them, and just like that, the ice is broken.

Learn more about Hurtigruten's Northern Lights cruises

You’re welcome. I can’t imagine my life without Hurtigruten! I now know some of the crew on board and when I come on the ship I am treated like a member of the family. Although I’ve now moved to Norway without family or friends, I don't feel alone; my family is Hurtigruten.

Thank you, KrisTina. We love having you on board!